1,214 Residents Who Refuge Due To The Eruption Of Mount Ibu West Halmahera Spread At 6 Points

TERNATE - The Provincial Government (Pemprov) of North Maluku stated that during the eruption of Mount Ibu in West Halmahera Regency, 1,214 people had to evacuate to various points that had been provided.

"Currently, there are six points of evacuation locations that have been provided for residents affected by the eruption of Mount Ibu," said Acting Governor of North Maluku Samsuddin Abdul Kadir when contacted, quoted from Antara, Thursday, January 23.

According to data on January 21, 2025 at 16.00 WIT compiled from the Mount Ibu Eruption Command Post, he said, it showed that the eruption of Mount Ibu volcanic ash caused 1,214 people to flee.

Refugees are spread over six points, namely 108 heads of families (KK)/276 people at the Emanuel Old Church Post, Tongute Village, 21 families/53 people at the Tongute Sungi Village Office, 27 families/61 people at the Sion Akesibu Church Post, 37 families/157 at SMKS Anak Negeri Akesibu, and 15 families/32 people at the Tongute Goin Elementary School Post.

The party also detailed that the refugees from the eruption of Mount Ibu consisted of 13 pregnant women, 94 toddlers, 21 early childhood children, 97 elderly people. The refugees consisted of 504 men and 710 women.

Based on information from the Mount Ibu Eruption Command Post, the status of Mount Ibu increased to Level IV (Awas) on January 15, 2025, following a loud bang and volcanic ash bursts as high as 4,000 meters above the peak.

This incident caused 287 families or 649 people to flee from six affected sub-districts, namely Sangaji Nyeku District, Soasasangap District, Tuguis District, Togoreba Sungi District, Borona District, and Tokoke District.

Previously, Acting Governor of North Maluku Samsuddin Abdul Kadir and the West Halmahera Regency Government monitored the current situation and were prepared to provide additional support if needed.

"This effort is part of the provincial government's commitment to ensure that the affected residents receive adequate assistance and can immediately recover from the impact of the disaster they experienced," said Samsuddin.

He also asked residents affected by the eruption to remain patient and not rush back home until there is an official announcement from the West Halmahera Regency Government.

He also asked the Regent of West Halmahera and his staff to continue to provide the latest updates on the eruption, so that people can feel calm in refugee camps.